Pennsylvania state senators voted early this morning to approve a measure that will expand gambling in the state and allow slots at horse racing tracks, including The Meadows in Washington County.

The 27-22 vote came after weeks of fragile negotiations behind closed doors, several last-minute manoeuvres to delay action and more than three hours of debate. “My constituents have voted with their feet,” said state Sen. Jim Ferlo, D-Lawrenceville. “Why in God’s name we would let all of this revenue, all of this money leave our state makes no sense to me.”

Recent studies have shown that Pennsylvanians spend roughly $3 billion a year on gambling out of the state.

The measure, backed by Gov. Ed Rendell, now moves to the House, where debate is slated to take place next week, possibly on Tuesday.